Eliminating end effects for theoretical panel buckling with FEM

The theoretical buckling performance of thin walled panels under compression can be predicted using classical plate theory (CPT) and using tools such as the VICONOPT, which uses the finite strip method, and Abaqus, a finite element modelling program (FEM). VICONOPT is much more computationally efficient than FEM, and is able to optimise panel design for buckling and pseudo-postbuckling performance. This work forms part of a larger project to use VICONOPT to optimise panel designs that are allowed to buckle in a stable manner below the maximum allowed loading. Because VICONOPT can only make a first approximation of postbuckling performance, a method is required to validate the optimisation results against a more accurate method.